Due to their rise in popularity, the benefits of LED light bulbs are widely recognised. Not only do these lights offer a long lifespan, but they also deliver a lighting solution which is cost effective and high in performance.

Traditional lighting such as, incandescent light bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps have always been the go-to option for our lighting solution. Of course, these traditional options are cheaper in comparison to the initial cost of LED lights. However, over time the benefits delivered by LEDs will start to outweigh the traditional method of lighting.

Benefits Of LED Lights

1. Durability
2. Cost
3. Decreased fire risk
4. Eco Friendly
5. Health Benefits

 

Do LED Lights save you money?

If this comparison is purely based on installation cost, the answer is no, LEDs do not save you money. However, when searching for a lighting solution for your home or office you must look at the full picture. You must think of maintenance cost, lifespan, and efficiency. Based on these 3 principals, LEDs are far more superior than traditional light bulbs.

When compared to traditional light bulbs, an LED’s lifespan is far greater. This means less maintenance is required to keep the lights on. Furthermore, research has shown LED lights have the potential to operate for 50,000 hours or more. Of course, this depends on product selection and use. To put this into perspective, an incandescent light bulb will last up to 1,500 hours and a fluorescent lightbulb will last up to 10,000 hours.

LED lightbulbs are very energy efficient. An LED bulb requires less wattage compared to incandescent light bulbs. In fact, when comparing the two, LED uses up to 90% less energy. Less energy used equals less money spent in the long run. For instance, if we take an energy rate of £0.18 kWh, an 8w LED used for 4.5 hours a day will cost £2.37 over a year’s usages in comparison to £11.83 for a 40w incandescent bulb.

 

Should I switch to LED lighting?

Now we understand and appreciate that the initial cost of installing LED lights is not an option that everyone has. However, when changing your lighting system, you must aim for LED lights. Budgeting for this solution has an endless amount of advantages. In addition, LED are much more eco friendly that the traditional lightbulbs. Currently lighting is responsible for roughly 20% of all energy consumption in the UK. We must all do our part save the planet. Lastly, the low energy cost delivered by LED will guarantee you savings on your annual energy bill. Upgrading to LED is the logical option.

Office Lighting

Commercial lighting defers greatly in comparison to lighting found in your home. In a commercial setting, the overall design must incorporate many factors which flow throughout the building. In your home, the lighting is commonly suited to the design of each room rather than as part of an overall plan. So, what are the options available when it comes to office lighting?

 

Factors to be taken into consideration when choosing office lighting

• Light level for the office
• Overall aesthetics (how do you want the lighting design to look)
• Installation cost
• The life span of the chosen lighting
• Difficulty of installation and disruption
• Ongoing maintenance & Service requirements

 

The office lighting levels

Lux or Lumen calculations are how the levels of office lighting are measured. Visible light and the output form the basis of the calculations. Visible light is measured by Lumens. Generally, the greater the lumens to an office delighting fixture, the greater the light coverage it provides. Per square metre Lux is equivalent to 1 lumen. With this in mind, we can consider the light output to be the lumens value.

LED’s provide a greater lumen output as well as a cost effective operation cost. Another key point, LED lighting is generally the basis of most office delighting installations. You will see different designs and manufacturers within offices. However, this does depend on the system and the style required by the office. Certain designs call for a non LED light to create an effect or warmth.

CIBSE Recommend the following for lighting levels in an office

• Standard office area – 500 Lux
• Computer area – 300-500 Lux
• Filing area – 300 Lux
• Printing area – 300 Lux
• Toilets/Changing rooms – 100 – 150 Lux

Types of Office Lighting

When considering your office lighting, these are the most common types

• LED Lighting
• Fluorescent Lighting
• Incandescent Lighting

 

Incandescent Lighting

These lights are now considered outdated and ineffective. This type of lighting is now rarely found in commercial buildings, most building have replaced these lights with other options. In some cases, the lights can still be found in a few areas.

In older office installation Incandescent lights were chosen above fluorescent lights. This is because of their ability to reach their light levels much quicker. Additionally, the lights also generated some heat which is advantage for certain clients.

Disadvantages

• Least energy efficient option
• Operate at a high temperature
• Short services & maintenance life
• High operation cost

Fluorescent Lighting

Due to the increased longevity of the light fittings and bulbs, fluorescent lights are considered a step up in comparison to incandescent lights. In addition, the lifespan of fluorescent lights can be 20x longer. Unlike incandescent lights, these lights do not give off heat from the light bulb, the lights work at a lower operating temperature. This results in lower cost, lower energy, and lower maintenance. Lastly, fluorescent lights are also a big increase in light coverage and light levels.

So, what are the disadvantages of fluorescent lights? As previously mentioned, the lights provide a good lighting coverage at a bright level, but this does come with its faults. When turning the lights on, a starter noise can often be heard and sometimes there’s a noticeable pause before the lights turn on. After a long period of time, this delay prolongs, and the lights can intermittently flicker and create a noise during operation. This problem can be solved by replacing the light bulb or tube. However, this means the cost to service and maintain them increases.

 

LED Lighting

LED lights were the most expensive to buy and install. However, over the years the cost has decreased significantly. LED lights are now commonly found in commercial buildings or offices. Majority of light fittings in commercial buildings are manufactured with LED technology. In most cases it’s the best option due to its number of advantages.

 

Advantages

• Longest life span
• Operate at a low temperature
• Greater lighting levels at a low wattage
• Low operation cost
• Lower energy consumption
• Reduced maintenance & Service

 

Several researches have shown that individuals exposed to natural lighting are more productive and creative. LED lights have the ability to mimic the natural light produced by the sun. This results in receiving the benefits of the sun. Offices with LED lights enable employees to work effectively. Lastly, natural light is also known to have other health benefits such as relieving stress, depression and improving sleep patterns.

For further reading follow the links below

Industrial Power and Lighting 

Electrical Equipment Safety

Lighting for Restaurants

How to Choose Office Lighting

Office Lighting Design and Ideas

Office lighting and commercial lighting, in general, differed greatly from those found in a residential setting. The overall design has to incorporate many factors which flow throughout the commercial space. In a home, the lighting generally is suited more to the design and individual room, rather than as part of an overall plan

Furthermore, in an office, the power requirements greatly differ for the lighting installation. Thus, great design and thought is required on how to design the electrical cabling to feed these lights.

So what are some options when it comes to commercial office lighting?

To assist you with choosing the most suitable office lighting to suit your requirements, examine the following items for consideration

1. The lighting levels for the office
2. How you want the lighting design to look and the overall aesthetics
3. The cost budget for the installation
4. The expected longevity of the system
5. Ease of installation and disruption
6. Ease of service and ongoing maintenance

The Office Lighting Levels

Lumens or Lux calculations are the way that levels for office lighting are measured. Visible light and its output form the basis of the calculations. Lumens is how we measure visible light. Generally in an office space, the greater the lumens of an office delighting fixture, the greater the light coverage it provides. Lux is equivalent to 1 lumen per 1 square metre

Thus, we can consider light output to be the lumen's value. LEDs provide a greater lumen output, along with cost-effective operation. Therefore, LED lighting is generally the basis of most, if not all office delighting installations

You will see different styles and manufacturers within offices, however. This will depend on older legacy systems and the style required by the office. Some designs call for a non LED light to create an effect or warmth.

The CIBSE Recommend the following for lighting levels for office

1. Standard Office Areas – Lighting Level of 500 Lux
2. Computer Areas – Lighting Level of 300 – 500 Lux
3. Filing Areas – Lighting Level of 300 Lux
4. Print Areas – Lighting Level of 300 Lux
5. Changing / Toilets – Lighting Level of 100-150 Lux

Types of Office Lighting

When considering office lighting, these are the three most common types

1. LED Lighting
2. Fluorescent Lighting
3. Incandescent Lighting

 Incandescent Lighting

This type of lighting is now rarely found in a commercial setting. It is outdated and ineffective. They will have either been replaced or left in only a few areas. However, they are still found.

The problems with this type of lighting are

1. They are the least energy-efficient of the lighting options
2. When operating, they operate at a higher temperature
3. They have a short service and maintenance life
4. They are costly to operate

In older office installation, this lighting was chosen when it was compared to fluorescent light fittings. They reached their light levels much quicker by comparison. Furthermore, the lights give off a "Warmth", which some clients like to have in certain areas. You can feel the warmth emitting from these fittings. That can be desirable in some areas. However, in others, it can make the area feel too hot or stifling

You will see these lighting styles in bespoke bulbs and lighting designs

Fluorescent Lighting

In comparison to incandescent, these fittings are a big step up in comparison. That's due to the increased longevity of the light fittings and bulbs compared to incandescent. In many cases, the additional lifespan might even be 20 times longer. Of course, they are still a shorter life span when compared to LED lighting

These fittings don't give off heat from the bulb, and they work at a lower operating temperature. This results in lower energy, lower cost, and lower maintenance. Fluorescent lights were also a big increase in light coverage and light levels

However, there were still downsides to this type of lighting. As mentioned, they provide good lighting coverage and at a bright level. However, the common trait with these fittings was the starters and operation. When turning on, a starter noise can often be heard, and a sometimes noticeable pause before the lights "Kick in". When they age, this delay prolongs, and the lights can intermittently flicker and create noise during operation.

The problem is usually solved by replacing the light bulb or tube. However, this results in a lot of service and maintenance time. Especially if the fittings are in hard to reach spaces

LED Lighting

LED lighting is the one found most often in a commercial and office environment. In most cases, it's simply the best and only choice to go for. Furthermore, the majority and nearly all manufactured light fittings for the commercial space are manufactured with LED Technology.

LED Lighting has so many benefits and functionality. Hence, why it is the overriding choice for offices and commercial spaces

The advantages and benefits of LED lighting are:

1. The light fittings last the longest
2. They operate at a lower temperature. Especially when compared to fluorescent lighting
3. They provide greater lighting levels at lower wattage

Lower temperature results in lower energy usage and an overall lower operating cost

The additional advantage is although they use lower energy, it doesn't affect the lighting level they output

In the majority of cases, the performance is increased, like for like.

The benefits of operating at a lower energy usage are

1. Reduction in energy used for the environment
2. Lower operating cost
3. Reduced maintenance and service
4. Increased timescales between replacements

LED lighting used to be the most expensive to buy and install. You only gained the savings on the cost reduction in operating them. However, as more was adopted, the manufacturing increased and economies of scale resulted in lower cost for purchase. In fact, the purchase costs dropped below those of alternative systems

Aesthetic Considerations for Office Lighting 

Light coverage will probably be the first and main part of designing a system in a commercial space. However, how those lights look and create the design are a very close second. 

Of course, the first role of lighting is to provide illumination. However, lighting design and fixture choice sets the tone for the overall feel, style, and look of the office. This design not only impacts your clients when they visit as part of your brand, but it is also an important part of the productivity of your employees.

Each office is different, and hence so is the design. Some office designs will be all open-plan and have one type of lighting throughout. Others will separate design by area. Furthermore, some areas may be standard office delighting for productivity, and some areas will have a bespoke design to create a feel or environment. We have had clients that have created outdoor landscapes within their offices for meeting rooms and restaurants.

These have included farmyards, beach houses, forests, and saunas as a style for their rooms. Of course, each of these required a bespoke lighting design to create and suit the design

Office Lighting Cost

Following on from productivity, lighting levels, and design, the budget will be a critical factor. The great thing is that there are so many manufacturers and choices that there are generally options for all ranges of budgets. The cost differences are usually on the actual design of the unit, rather than the operation

You should always start with a light to create the correct lighting levels. A poor design looks good but doesn't serve the purpose or allow you to work effectively. Therefore, start with the design for the correct light coverage, and then choose the design to fit those requirements

Once you have the correct coverage for your areas, you can then add bespoke design lighting to create a certain feel or brand

We have a range of electrical designers that can assist and advise on the correct commercial lighting for your office. Contact us today for an initial discussion and arrange a free survey